Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives Philip Gunn shared specific details on the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act of 2021, HB 1439 at the WCRW regular monthly meeting Monday, November 1, 2021 at Market Café.
This tax plan would be phased in over ten years, eventually eliminating the state income tax. But in year one, no taxpayer would be taxed on their first $40,000 of income. Sales tax would increase to 9.5 percent. However, the grocery tax would decrease to 3.5 percent. Speaker Gunn said, “Let’s put money back in the pockets of citizens of Mississippi.” He also discussed how this tax plan would make Mississippi more competitive with states that levy no income tax like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. This would be a selling point to help bring new business here.
Speaker Gunn praised the Republican Women for their efforts on HB 571, the Human Trafficking bill. He also authored HB 1559, which he considers a sequel to HB 571. This bill provides services for the victims of Human Trafficking. He explained that once these young ladies have been rescued, services should be provided to help give them the physical and emotional support needed to begin building a productive life. Speaker Gunn said, “Republican women made a difference in the state of Mississippi!”
Comments from the members were discussed including HB 1510, better known as the Mississippi Abortion Law, which the Supreme Court will hear on December 1, 2021. Speaker Gunn again credited Republican Women for engaging. He also fielded questions concerning the current vaccine mandates and respects and defends an individual’s right to make that decision. Medical marijuana was addressed and Critical Race Theory was discussed. Speaker Gunn quoted Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Speaker Gunn said to let our representatives and senators hear from us. He believes all citizens should stay informed and engage in civic life. This is the best way to make a difference in our community, state, and nation.
At the recent Mississippi Federation of Republican Women’s Convention, our club received the highest award on the State and National level. We received a Diamond award from the National Federation and Ruby Award from the State federation. Our next meeting will be Monday, January 17th at 6:00 p.m. Our speaker will be Mississippi Northern Transportation Commissioner John Caldwell. He has written a book, entitled “Semper Odyssey: Conflicts of a Marine Reservist.” He will have books available for purchase. Please consider joining us, specific meeting details will be given at a later date.
